RI Govt pays US$1 bln in teacher allowances in Q1

 Indonesia has disbursed more than Rp18 trillion (around US$1 billion) in allowances to 1.6 million public school teachers in the first quarter, as authorities shift to monthly payments to improve welfare and service quality

The Primary and Secondary Education Ministry said the funds were distributed between January and March to teachers employed by regional governments nationwide.

Director General for Teachers and Education Personnel Nunuk Suryani said the ministry has changed the payment system from quarterly to monthly transfers to provide greater certainty.

“This change is intended to ensure teachers receive their rights regularly. The government sees these allowances not merely as financial support, but as recognition of teachers’ dedication to educating the nation,” she said in a statement.

She added that more frequent payments are expected to have a positive impact on the quality of education services, allowing teachers to focus more on classroom duties.

“We hope that with their rights fulfilled, teachers can concentrate on delivering the best education for students,” Suryani said.

The ministry said the first-quarter disbursement covered several types of allowances, including professional allowances (TPG), additional income support (DTP), and special allowances (TKG) for teachers in designated areas.

Teachers across the country have welcomed the new mechanism, saying it offers greater financial stability and improves household planning.

Yuna Aryati, a teacher at a public senior high school in Tebing Tinggi, North Sumatra, said the policy provides reassurance in managing daily needs.

“This arrangement greatly helps us manage our expenses, allowing educators to focus more on teaching,” she said.

A kindergarten teacher in Central Java, Tarto Hadi Lukito, expressed similar support, praising the government’s move to introduce monthly payments.

“Regular payments make us feel more supported and help us plan family finances more efficiently,” he said.

The government has pledged to continue refining teacher welfare programs as part of broader efforts to improve education standards and strengthen human capital development nationwide.